the awful truth

When I was pregnant there was a long list of things we will never do with our baby. No TV, I had done research on it for a class project and concluded that quality time was better for baby's development. No co-sleeping, it's our bed not a family bed. No juice, sugar, or other things that make life grand.

Fast forward a year or so, here is the awful truth about my decisions. She has favorite characters and shows and can I get an hour or so of work or housework done during an already hectic day. She isn't any less loved or far behind in ters development. If anything she has learned a lot from these educational programs. They teach her colors, counting, logical thinking, music, social skills, and long list of other things that I don't believe do any harm. I admit that I look forward to watching shows with her most of the time. We sit and sing the songs, answer the character's audience questions, we talk about what is happening. So does that counter the quality time issue. For the sake of my guilt, I say yes.

Lilli make her way into our bed every night and I miss her when she isn't there next to me. I have been sleeping better and she isn't waking up in full on scream-mode every night. Dave and I both look forward to the morning when she cuddles up next to us before we start our days. We don't think it hurts our relationship, we find time for ourselves. Even if that means we look at nap time like the holy mecca of mommy/daddy time.

I will admit she drinks juice, I have snuck her a taste of my cherry ICEE, she has tasted sugar and I don't feel bad about it. These are the things that make being a kid so much fun. Looking forward to treats and sharing them with people you love. Besides, Dave and I have always been the "cakes and pies!" type couple, LONG before Lilli was in the picture.

There is this unspoken guilt that society (and over baring people) have inflicted on us to be secretive about what really goes on in your real life. So here is my awful truth, I love my daughter and she is a health and happy little girl. I will not feel the guilt anyone tries to place on me for my decisions on how to raise my family. To each their own, just leave ours alone.